I started out by being a Den Leader for my son's cub scouts.  Then I advance to Webelo's leadr and finally to Cubmaster.

After all these years, the local Boy Scout Office was hiring, and as I knew the office manager, she offered me the job, stating that if I worked this hard for free, she knew I would be a great addition to the "support team".

As I worked for the Boy Scouts, I became the first femal Boy Scout leader in our council.  It was tough going at first...going to camp with no ladies facilities, camp outs, and other activities.  But after a few years, I was finally accepted as one of the guys.  I was a member of the Order of the Arrow, which is an honor, that the young men who are already in the group vote on who they want in. I am also a member of Woodbadge, training that goes above the normal traing for leaders.

I had a small troop, but we would get together with other troops and do things together.  I spent one night a week for meetings, one week a summer for camp and 10 days a year for a long trip.  I even had a chance to go to Philmont in New Mexico, no beautiful land you will ever see. And I am proud to say that all 15 of my scouts ended up earning their Eagle Scouts.  I was a Scout leader for 12 years.

One thing a lot of volunteers don't realize about their local council, is the support team.  We are called that because we help do the support work for the men who are the representatives who are out there showing their faces and who the volunteers get to know.  A lot of volunteers never know who the support team is.  We handle the monthly flyers, the scouting store, scheduling for summer camp, putting in thousands and thousands of registration information of all the scouts and leaders.  There is a lot more we do, but that is enough.

Some of the support staff, such as I even take on more challenges by helping with training of new leaders and going out to summer camp to do special things.  Going to council events, to help out with the different activities.

We don't make a lot of money, but we are proud of what we do.  I know you thank the Scout leaders and the Council representatives, but if you get a chance, say thanks to the people behind the scenes who keep things working, the support staff.  I worked for the BSA for nine years, before moving out of state.

Also, say thank you to all the Scouts out there who are trying to do their best for their country.

I applaud everyone involved in the Boy Scouts of America.